About PMSentials
Access to menstrual products is a fundamental human right. Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by half of the population. Access to products during thisprocess is not a choice or a luxury, but a basic health need.
We understand that discovering the best period products for you can be overwhelming. There are so many options available in the market, but often, there is a lack in education and resources available in some communities.
That is why we've created this guide as a comprehensive resource to help you make informed decisions about your menstrual health! It is designed to provide information and resources to help you choose the right period products for you based on your needs and preferences. Our hope is that this guide will serve as a valuable resource in navigating the world of menstrual products.
About Power Pump Girls
Power Pump Girls, Inc. is a nonprofit organization with a mission to build a legacy of service by equipping leaders to transform excess into access and empathy into action. One of our core values is equity and ensuring all humans have access to basic needs and resources. Through our secured. initiative, we combat period poverty and the stigma associated with menstruation. Period poverty is a term used to describe the lack of access to menstrual products, education, and WASH. facilities. This inevitably affects millions of menstruators around the world, limiting their access to education, work, and other opportunities. Period equity recognizes that access to menstrual products is a basic human right and necessary for the health and wellbeing of all menstruating people. Having a period-positive mindset can amplify the message of period equity, one conversation at a time.
Information Guide
We hope that you find the information within this guide helpful and that it welcomes healthy conversations about your body and well-being.
For more information about Power Pump Girls and our programs, visit www.powerpumpgirls.org.
What’s the impact of period poverty?
The Impact of Period Poverty
We created the Power Pump Girls’ platform to shed light on the alarming statistics surrounding period poverty and its impact on individuals' lives. This issue affects millions of people worldwide, often leaving them unable to manage their periods safely and with dignity.
This resource is a response to the need for education and awareness of menstruation. By providing accurate information, practical guidance, and resources, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge they require to navigate their menstrual cycles confidently and hygienically.
We believe that education is a powerful tool for change, enabling individuals to advocate for ending the stigma and inequality associated with menstruation.
At least 500 Million women and girls globally lack adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management. In some cases, women and girls do not have access to menstrual products at all.
2 in 5 women
struggle to purchase period products due to a lack of income in the United States.
Worldwide, ONLY 39% of girls receive education about their periods.
Menstruators without access to period supplies or WASH facilities may resort to rags, leaves, newspaper or other makeshift items to absorb or collect menstrual blood. These makeshift products may also be prone to leaks, contributing to shame or embarrassment.
Rags
Leaves
Newspapers
1 in 4 girls in Louisiana miss school because of their periods
What terms do I need to know?
Helpful Terms
The following terms are used throughout this resource. By defining these terms, we hope to create a better cohesive understanding of the words used.
menstrual hygiene management:
the practice of using clean materials to absorb menstrual blood and having access to facilities to dispose of used materials
reducing menstrual stigma:
efforts break down social and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation, and to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of menstruators
period poverty:
the lack of access to menstrual products, education, and WASH facilities
menstrual flow:
the volume of blood that is lost during a period; often times described as light, regular, or heavy
period positive:
an approach that embraces menstruation as a natural and healthy bodily function, and seeks to eliminate shame, taboo, and misinformation around periods
period talk:
open and honest conversations about menstruation, including education, advocacy, and storytelling
absorbency:
the ability of a menstrual product to absorb menstrual blood
menstrual equity:
the idea that all people who menstruate should have access to menstrual products, education, and facilities without facing financial, cultural, or social barriers
equity:
the principle in which each individual is treated fairly by taking background into account, including the policies and practices used to ensure the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for ALL people
applicator:
a tool that can be used to insert a period product into the vagina
TSS (toxic shock syndrome):
a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacteria getting into the body and releasing harmful toxins, often associated with tampon use but can affect anyone
menstrual health:
the physical, emotional, and social well-being of people who menstruate
silicone:
a hybrid between synthetic rubbers and synthetic plastic polymers and can come in different forms used to make rubber like items, hard resins, and thick spreadable fluids
disposable menstrual products:
products such as tampons and pads that are used once and then discarded
WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities:
related to resources or access to clean water supply, sanitation systems, and hygiene practices
polyurethane laminate (PUL):
a compound fabric made by laminating a cloth fabric to one or both sides of a the film of polyurethane; used in a wide range of applications in medical and garment uses
reusable menstrual products:
products such as menstrual cups and period underwear that can be washed and reused, reducing waste and saving money over time
menstruator:
a person who menstruates
What are the types of period products?
One Size DOES NOT Fit All
Making the Right Choice for YOU
The rule of “one size fits all” does not apply to period products. Different period products could be best utilized for different activities/needs. Since your menstrual flow is different throughout your period, you may need to use different products throughout a single cycle.
It is recommended that you try a different product month to month until you find what works best for your lifestyle and physical needs. You can use various products throughout a single cycle because your flow differs on different days.
Trying all the options allows you to change your usage, and learn that all are resourceful atdifferent times.
Period Products
This guide highlights the different types of period products, including tampons, pads, pantiliners, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, and period underwear.
Click on the product images to learn more!
period underwear/panties
undergarment made with special absorbent fabric in the crotch area to prevent leaks and soak menstrual blood
best for:
- someone with access to WASH facilities and is looking for a reusable period product
- first-time period product user
- someone with a light to medium flow
discs
a shallow, circular-shaped, insertable period product made from silicone or body-friendly polymers that provide up to 12 hours of protection and can even help minimize cramps
best for:
- someone who has tried other insertable products and wants to try a more extended wear/long-term product
- someone with access to WASH facilities and is looking for a reusable period product
- someone who is involved in many active activities and is looking for a discrete period product
tampons
tampons are tightly compacted absorbent cotton, shaped like a bullet with a string attached at the base that allows for easy removal
best for:
- someone who is involved in many active activities and is looking for a discrete period product
- someone who has different flow days that require products with different levels of absorbency period
cups
a reusable, insertable, flexible bell-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that can provide up to 12 hours of protection and can even minimize cramps
best for:
- someone who has tried other insertable products and wants to try a more extended wear/long-term product
- someone with access to WASH facilities and is looking for a reusable period product
- someone who is involved in many active activities and is looking for a discrete period product
liners
thin absorbent piece of material, similar to a pad, that attaches to inside of underwear via a sticky adhesive
best for:
- someone who has a flow that is not heavy enough to use a tampon or pad
- someone looking for daily protection for a “just in case” situation
pads
a disposable, absorbent rectangle pad that attaches to the inside of underwear via a sticky adhesive
Best for:
- First-time period product user.
- Someone who has different flow days that require products with different levels of absorbency period.
- Someone looking for an option for bedtime use.
Know your flow
Learning about and trying multiple options can help you decide which period products are best for you. As mentioned earlier in the guide, there isn’t a one-product solution for all. Activities such sports, swimming or travel can influence the type of product that will work best for you during your period. The chart below can serve as a tool to help you decide which product you should use and when.
product type
requires insertion
one time use
reusable
activity friendly
requires WASH facility
wear time*
material
pads
liners
tampons
period cup
disc
period panties
requires insertion
one time use
reusable
activity friendly
requires WASH facility
wear time*
material
pads
requires insertion
one time use
reusable
activity friendly
requires WASH facility
wear time*
material
liners
requires insertion
one time use
reusable
activity friendly
requires WASH facility
wear time*
material
tampons
requires insertion
one time use
reusable
activity friendly
requires WASH facility
wear time*
material
period cup
requires insertion
one time use
reusable
activity friendly
requires WASH facility
wear time*
material
disc
requires insertion
one time use
reusable
activity friendly
requires WASH facility
wear time*
material
period panties
